Fuel working without chipped key?

Tiny
THEKITTY01
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 270,000 MILES
Lost chip key. Can get running on a prime. Is there anyway to get injectors to work without chipped key
Friday, March 13th, 2026 AT 12:23 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,620 POSTS
Not really. The earlier systems had bypasses that you could do but when GM switched to the transponder keys those went away. The easiest solution would be to have an automotive locksmith use the VIN and registration to cut you a set of new keys. They will want proof of ownership before they cut them. The entire process is to discourage theft so they make it time consuming to replace the keys so that the common thief won't bother the vehicle.
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Saturday, March 14th, 2026 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
THEKITTY01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay but when I lost my key I smashed the ignition thinking I could get it home Show I can get it to start but it stalls right away
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Saturday, March 14th, 2026 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,620 POSTS
That is going to make it harder, depending on what is broken you will probably need to replace the ignition switch housing and the lock cylinder. Possibly the transponder antenna as well. Could you take pictures of the area you "smashed" to give us an idea of which parts are damaged. Do you have a bi-directional scan tool in case you have to replace the transponder module? It has to be programmed into the PCM for it to work.
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Saturday, March 14th, 2026 AT 10:01 AM

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